The forcing of air upward over mountains, causing cooling, condensation and rainfall on the windward slope.
phenomenaWhat is Orographic Lift?
Orographic lift is responsible for some of the heaviest rainfall in Southeast Asia. When moist monsoon air encounters a mountain range, it is forced upward, cools below its dew point and produces clouds and rain. The world record for annual rainfall (Cherrapunji/Mawsynram, India, >11,000 mm) is due to orographic lift on the Khasi Hills. In Southeast Asia, the Cardamom Mountains (Cambodia), Rakhine Mountains (Myanmar) and western Sumatra ranges all produce intense orographic rainfall.
Key points
- The forcing of air upward over mountains, causing cooling, condensation and rainfall on the windward slope.
- Category: phenomena
Related terms
See also: orographic-lift is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.